What Does Salty Mean? A Simple Guide To The Slang Internet Term Everyone's Using

If you’ve been around for awhile, you’ve probably heard the term “salty.” Of course, you may have assumed it was in relation to food — i.e. “man, these chips are salty” or “damn you oversalted this chicken.” But what does salty mean?

Yes, the salty meaning is completely different than what you may think. According to Urban Dictionary, salty is “the act of being upset, angry, or bitter as result of being made fun of or embarrassed. Also a characteristic of a person who feels out of place or is feeling attacked.” In short, someone who is salty is “mad, angry, agitated, [and] upset.”

But contrary to popular belief, salty isn’t a new term. Not at all. In fact, the Online Etymology Dictionary says that the “slang” version of salty was first used in 1938 — at which time it meant “angry [and] irritated,” much like today.

Of course, why it was used remains a mystery, though it probably found its origins “with regard to sailors." (In the 1920s, the term was used to describe men that were “tough [and] aggressive.")

But how can you incorporate the phrase in your own life? Easy. Here are seven examples of how to use “salty.”

1. "Trisha lost the game and now she is salty AF."

Let’s be real, though: losing is upsetting. (I’d be salty too.)

2. "When Lauren learned John had cheated on her, she was pissed... and salty."

7. “I was just teasing you. You don’t have to be so salty about it.”

Nicole Lane is a wife, mother, writer, and regular contributor for YourTango. She is a staunch defender of women's rights, she believes firmly in equality and parity, and she is an advocate for women's health, mental health, and sexuality.